Chapter 3
Ephesians 3:1-3
For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles- 2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.
By stating what he has above about Gentiles and Jews coming together as one, Paul refers to himself as a prisoner of Jesus for his audience’s sake and for all Gentiles.
“Administration”- management as one of a household. Paul refers to the management of grace that was given to him on behalf of the Gentiles. The grace was a revelation, or a revealing of truth. The revelation was the mystery of Christ.
“Mystery”- hidden purpose or secret thing. The mystery of Christ, which Paul has just discussed, is the truth about one family under Jesus containing Jews and Gentiles. God kept this hidden, not for purposes of deceit, but to keep it hidden until the time was right for Jesus to come. Paul emphasizes this plan was made known to him by means of a revelation, which God gave him. Paul sees this plan as God’s grace, which it truly is.
Ephesians 3:4-5
In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.
Paul wants them to see this good news as he does. Later on, he will describe his sufferings as a servant of Jesus which leads to their glory. This mystery of Gentiles receiving salvation and inclusion into the kingdom was hidden from those in years past. Now, however, the Holy Spirit has revealed this plan to the apostles and prophets of which includes Paul.
Ephesians 3:6
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
Paul now reviews this mystery he has been discussing in the last passages. The treasure of Gentiles being heirs with Israel. This idea of heirs gives us a perspective of wealth and riches being given also to Gentiles. It is like a will after one’s passing that reveals all children will receive the inheritance instead of just the perceived favored child. Gentiles can now share in the salvation of their souls as Israel and are now also children of the promise given to Abraham. They are now one body, not just two groups under one promise, but one group under one promise. The promise of Jesus is that he is coming back to bring his children with him, and now everyone can go home with him when he returns.
Ephesians 3:7-9
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
Paul recognizes his position as a servant of the Good News he just explained. He became a servant by the grace of God which came through the power of Jesus. The power is of the Spirit and atoning blood working together.
“Servant”- diakonos- one who carries out commands. It can also be used of one who serves as a deacon in the church.
Paul considers himself least of all believers but he considers his mission to preach to the Gentiles, grace. His mission was to preach and explain the mystery of Christ to everyone. The phrase “make plain” gives the connotation of revealing in the light or to shine the light on. Paul is revealing the mystery to everyone that Gentiles have a part of salvation since it was kept hidden from peoples before the time came for Jesus to come.
Ephesians 3:10-11
His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
It was very common for angels and spiritual beings to reveal God’s plans and wisdom to humans. However, now that the mystery has been revealed to humanity through the Spirit (verse 5), it is now the role of the church to make known this Good News of Jesus to everyone, including those in the spiritual realm. Paul makes references in his other letters of angels and humans having this connected relationship where one observes or is given authority over another. Peter explains angels looking into those who preached the gospel (1 Peter 1:12). Spiritual beings can observe and learn from humans and this is the role of the body of believers. To be a witness even before angels. This is all in God’s plans which were fulfilled in Jesus’ death and resurrection.
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